Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Common Milkweed is best grown in full sun and dry to medium average, well-drained soils. This plant prefers acidic to neutral soils but may tolerate dry conditions, infertile soil, and rocky conditions. They will not do well in extreme and extended heat or humidity and may require watering in drier seasons.

Growth Habit/Description:

Common milkweed is a perennial, herbaceous plant that typically grows to heights 3-5', though it can grow up to 8'. Leaves have a dark green top and a light green underside and may be described as ovate, oblong, lanceolate of elliptic in shape. Leaf pairs are often perpendicular to each other with short petioles.

Bloom Season:

Fragrant pink-purple flowers bloom from late spring to midsummer and occur in round clusters.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Milkweed is the only species of plant to be a host for monarch caterpillars, which feed exclusively on its leaves.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.  While deer and rabbits have been reported to eat milkweed, this is not a common occurrence due to the toxic cardenolides present in milkweed.  Milkweed also feeds various types of insects, such as bees, moths, butterflies, flies, beetles, and skippers.  See list here. 

Origin of Name:  Milkweed is named for its sap, which has a milk-like appearance. The genus name Asclepias comes after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine.

Related Plant Species:   Common milkweed is less toxic than its relative Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed), which has been known to negatively affects monarchs by tempting them to continue feeding on it into the winter instead of migrating. Common milkweed is also larger than its relative Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed), which grows 1-2' tall and features light orange blooms.

Use For Food/Medicine:

Despite being toxic, milkweed has been used for medicinal purposes in the past, such as a cure for warts, dysentery, asthma, and even typhus fever. Common Milkweed, known for its mild taste, may also be safe for consumption after being properly identified and boiled.

Beaulieu, David. c 2024.  How to Grow and Care for Common Milkweed.  [Cited 2025, Sept 5].  Available from: https://www.thespruce.com/milkweed-plants-monarch-butterfly-host-2132954#toc-common-pests--plant-diseases

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  Austin (TX):   University of Texas--Austin.   Asclepias syriaca.  [Cited 2025, Sept 6].   Available from:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSY

Lohmiller, George and Becky.  c. 2025.  Almanac.  Learn About Milkweed—an Important Native Plant!  [Cited 2025, Sept 5].  Available from: https://www.almanac.com/common-milkweed-uses-and-natural-remedies# 

Monarch Joint Venture. Frequently Asked Questions.  [Cited 2025, Sept 5].  Available from: https://monarchjointventure.org/faq/milkweed

Nachusa Grasslands. c 2017.  AWESOME ASCLEPIAS aka Milkweed.  [Cited 2025, Sept 5].  Available from: https://www.nachusagrasslands.org/nachusa-blog/awesome-asclepias-aka-milkweed

University of Maine.  Common Milkweed Fact Sheet.  [Cited 2025, Sept 6].  Available from: https://extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/indicator-species/milkweed-fact-sheet/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  c 2016.  Milkweed - For More Than Monarch Butterflies.  [Cited 2025, Sept 5]. Available from: https://www.fws.gov/story/2016-07/milkweed-more-monarch-butterflies